Simone Biles Apologizes for Heated Online Exchange with Anti-Trans Athlete Activist Riley Gaines

Simone Biles, the two-time Olympic all-around champion and 11-time Olympic medalist, has issued an apology for engaging in a heated online exchange with former collegiate swimmer turned anti-trans athlete activist Riley Gaines. The exchange took place on the social media platform X, where Gaines had made comments referring to a player on a Minnesota high school softball team as “a boy.”

In her initial response to Gaines, Biles criticized her for being “truly sick” and a “straight up sore loser.” However, Biles later retracted these comments, acknowledging that it was not productive to get personal in the discussion.

Biles highlighted the need for a balanced approach in sports that addresses both competitive equity and inclusivity. She expressed her belief that the current system in sports falls short in achieving this balance, leading to frustration and heated exchanges on the topic.

Reflecting on the incident, Biles clarified that her main objection was to Gaines singling out an underage athlete who has no control over the existing rules and regulations. She emphasized the importance of sports organizations developing rules that support inclusion while maintaining fair competition.

“We all want a future for sport that is fair, inclusive, and respectful,” Biles stated in her post, urging for a more thoughtful and considerate approach to discussing sensitive issues in sports.

As a role model and advocate for change in the sporting world, Biles’s apology serves as a reminder of the importance of engaging in respectful and constructive dialogue, even when addressing challenging topics. Her commitment to promoting fairness and inclusivity in sports sets a positive example for athletes and fans alike.